Carlos Alcaraz is undoubtedly the main man for Bjorn Borg’s Team Europe at the 2024 Laver Cup in Germany.
Roger Federer is in Berlin for the Laver Cup, but he is the competition’s past, with Alcaraz certainly its present and indeed future.
The Spaniard boasts two Grand Slam wins this season at the French Open and Wimbledon, although arrives in Berlin well out of form.
He is, however, more than capable of turning on the charm when it really matters, which is what Borg needs him to do this week.
John McEnroe’s Team World are seeking a third successive Laver Cup title, with the captain able to call upon the likes of US Open semi-finalists Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz.
Roger Federer wants to apologise to Carlos Alcaraz at the Laver Cup
Three-time Laver Cup champion Federer will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the action, with the Swiss icon particularly excited about Alcaraz’s appearance.
“I barely know Carlos Alcaraz so I’m really excited to see him play for the very first time,” said Federer, as per the Laver Cup website.
“I only practised once with him at Wimbledon when he was still a junior, and then the next day, my coach said, ‘Do you want to warm up with him again?’ and I said, ‘No, it’s okay, I’d rather warm up with his coach, who was my generation, Juan Carlos Ferrero.’ I can apologise to Carlos this week.”
Roger Federer makes Team Europe Laver Cup singles prediction
It’s fair to say Alcaraz will accept Federer’s apology, with the former not needing to practice with the latter to conquer Wimbledon.
Both know what it takes to come out on top at the All England Club, with the Spaniard a two-time champion and the Swiss boasting a record eight titles.
All eyes will now be on Alcaraz as he looks to seal the Laver Cup for Team Europe, alongside fellow top-10 stars Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud and Grigor Dimitrov.
The Spaniard, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has fallen below Zverev in the world rankings, but arguably remains the player to beat for his team.
Stefanos Tsitsipas completes Borg’s side, with Federer backing Team Europe in the singles at the Laver Cup this week.
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